TRAVEL GUIDE OF PAKISTAN
Pakistan: the land of many splendors, is a year-round destination. However winter is the best time to visit southern Pakistan. The rest of the country is very beautiful in spring and autumn when the spring flowers and autumn colors are at their best. For trekking and mountaineering, June to September are the recommended months.
Getting to Pakistan
By Air
More than 25 airlines fly to Pakistan from over 40 countries. Most of the flights arrive at Karachi, but Islamabad, Lahore, &
Peshawar also have direct flights from the main Mediterranean, Middle East and European cities, as well as New York, Toronto and Nairobi.
By Land
From China: The Khunjerab Pass is open from 1st May to 31st October for groups and to 15 November for individual tourists.
From India: Wagha is the only land border open between Pakistan and India (Lahore-Amritsar route). The Wagha border post is open daily for foreigners; Summer (16 April to 15 October) 08:30 to 14:30 hrs and Winter (16 October to 15 April).
From Iran: Pak-Iran border crossing is only possible through Taftan-Zahidan, from 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs with break from 13:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs.
By Sea
No passenger boats or ships for the general public sail to or from Pakistan at present.
Visa Information
All foreigners coming to Pakistan need a valid passport. Tourists from the following countries do not need visa to enter Pakistan for the period specified as under
Iceland, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Zambia and Mauritius for 3 months.
Hong Kong, Nepal and Western Samoa for 1 month.
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago for unlimited period.
Landing permit/transit visa for 30 days shall be given at entry points/airports, by Pakistan Immigration, free of cost, to genuine tourists after satisfying about their bonafied, if they possess return air ticket and sufficient amount of foreign currency. Such landing permit/transit visa should be regularized from the nearest Regional Passport & Immigration Office, within its validity. Landing permit facility is not available for the nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Serbia, Tanzania and Uganda. However, it is always better to obtain visa from Pakistan embassies abroad, before entering Pakistan. Nationals of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are allowed to enter Pakistan with valid Pakistani visa and passport either of their own country or of the former Soviet Union. Israeli passport holders are not allowed entry into Pakistan.
Application Requirement for Visa:
Valid passport.
passport-size photographs.
Completed application form.
Confirmed return/onward air-ticket (if traveling by air).
Proof of sufficient amount of foreign currency.
Visa fee varies from country to country and type of visa.
Car Hires / Taxi Service
There are car hire facilities at all International Airports. Agencies also function in major hotels. In the streets you get yellow cabs or taxis. Metered taxis of different capacities are available everywhere in the big cities. In case of difficulty, get the assistance of Police officials on duty.
Car Rental
Apart from a valid driving licence for self-driven rented cars, firms insist on a minimum age of 21 and may refuse to rent a car to any one over 60. Pakistan observes, "Right Hand Drive".
Distances on the roads are indicated in Roman numerical and also mentioned in Urdu. Sometimes there may be confusion between kilometers and miles. Within the city, especially on busy roads, it is better to drive within 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hours.
Railways
The railroad network is extensive, but when travelling, go first class or in an air-conditioned coach for comfort. Ideally, rent a "Tourist Car" which can be attached to any train. Fares are cheap by Western Standards and bookings should be done in advance both for seats and sleepers. Pakistan Railways also offer special concessions to tourists and well maintained Rest Houses are also offered when these are available.
Communications
Post & Telegraph Services: Countrywide postal, telegraphic and telephone facilities are available. Fax and telex services are available.
Special services offered by Pakistan Post Office include:
Local Express Service (LES)
Urgent Mail Service (UMS)
Air Express & Int'l Speed Post (ISP)
Surface Air Lifted Mail (SAL)
Telephone & Exchanges
Telephone facility is available in almost all the cities. More than 100 cities are linked with nation wide direct dialing system. For codes consult any telephone directory. Cellular mobile telephones are also available in big cities. They can also be hired on daily basis. Pay card phone booths are also installed at important places in big cities.
Courier Services
Courier services for sending your documents and letters are available in private sector as well. These services are more expensive but the delivery is taken from the sender's address of the addressee. These service are also available for international points.
Accommodation
Pakistan's main cities - the Federal Capital, Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi, as well as the Provincial capitals, except Quetta i.e. Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar have international standard 5 - Star accommodation for tourists. In Quetta, the Provincial capital of Balochistan, a 4-Star Serena Hotel is located. Serena Hotel is also located in Faisalabad, Gilgit and Hunza. In all these touristically important cities, good international standard accommodation is available. Main cities have hotels suitable for every pocket.
Tourists in search of cheaper accommodation should try the local Youth Hostels or YMCA's hostels which offer clean accommodation and wholesome atmosphere at cheaper fare then the 3 or 4-Star
hotels.
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